“Don’t you ever call names?” hissed Dennison.

“Only to the faces of the men to whom the names are applied,” retorted Dick.

“And that’s right,” agreed Furlong heartily.  “We’ve been classmates nearly two years, and I’ve heard old ramrod say disagreeable things, once or twice, behind men’s backs.  But it was never until after he had said the same thing to the man’s face.”

“This isn’t fair,” fussed Dennison, “to hold me back after I’ve been insulted.”

By this time, half a dozen more cadets had stopped.  Three of the newest comers were yearlings, one was a second classman and two were first classmen.

“Will you let me act as one of your friends, old ramrod?” asked Cadet Furlong.

“I think you’ve proved your right, on this and other occasions,” laughed Dick quietly.  “Go ahead, please, Milesy.”

“This is not place for a fight,” continued Furlong, “and this crowd had better break up, or we shall be seen and there’ll be an inquiry from the tactical department.  As Prescott’s friend, I will say that he is prepared to give full satisfaction to both men.  In fact, if they didn’t demand it, he would.”

Before so many, Bert Dodge had to appear brave.

“I demand the first meeting for satisfaction,” Bert insisted.

“And I think you may count on getting the first meeting,” nodded Furlong coolly.  “Now, Mr. Dodge, to whom shall I look as your friend?”

“Let me act!” begged Dennison hoarsely.

“Go ahead, Dennison,” replied Dodge, who felt that he would draw some comfort from having this big athlete of the class for a backer.  “Now, break up, please, gentlemen,” begged Furlong.  “We don’t want and wind of this to blow to official quarters.  Dennison, I invite you to come to my room.”

Like soldiers dismissed from ranks, the sudden gathering in the sally-port dispersed.  Dick went on to his own quarters.

“Now, that’s what I call huge!” chuckled Greg Holmes, as soon as he heard the news.  “But see here, old ramrod, I’m to be your other second?”

“Of course,” nodded Dick.

“Then I’m off for Furlong’s room at once.  And again—–­hooray!”

There being nothing to prevent a prompt meeting, it was arranged to take place that evening at 8.30.  In the subdivision where Furlong lived there was an empty room up on the plebe floor.

Sharp to the minute of 8.30 the men were at hand.  Packard, of the first class, had agreed to act as referee.  Maitland, second class, held the watch.  Dodge and Prescott were in their corners, stripped for the fray.  Nelson, of the third class, was Dodge’s other second.

Both men looked in fine condition as they waited for the referee to call the bout.  Both had received the same amount of bodily training, some of it under Captain Koehler at the gymnasium, and a good deal more of it in infantry, cavalry, artillery and other drills.  Over the chests and between the shoulder blades of both men were pads of supple muscles.  Both men were strong of arm, though neither too heavy with muscle to be quick and active.